Grandview Prep girls play FAUM in state semifinal

Previous state appearances: One. The Pride, 14-41 before Gary Downing's arrival last year, went 23-5 in his first season and made it to the state semifinals, losing 49-47 to Hollywood Christian. The players talk frequently about making it back to that game – and winning it.

Team's secret weapon: It's no secret that 6-foot-4 center Vionise Pierre-Louis is difficult to contain on the block and on the boards, but she showed in a two-point regional final win against First Baptist Academy that she can also hit from outside. She made three huge 3-pointers as the Pride hung on for a 41-39 win.

Defense relies on: Pierre-Louis has blocked 168 shots, an average of 6.2 per game, but the Pride's quick guards also pester opponents on the press and on the perimeter. Grandview averages 14 steals per game.

Opponent: The Rattlers have outscored their three playoff opponents 100-35. In a 65-38 regional final win against St. John Lutheran, Lakaris Salter, whose buzzer-beating 3-pointer won the 2A title last year, had 17 points and three blocks. Janyia McNealy had 16 points.